Conference YES-2026. Billionaire Pinchuk explained why Putin is so determined to seize Ukraine – Pidozra

Pinchuk: Ukraine really has become a European superpower and a military Silicon Valley

Ukraine has turned into a true “European superpower and a military Silicon Valley,” and this is a logical continuation of the centuries-long history of innovation on these lands. That is why the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is so desperately trying to seize Ukrainian territory. Businessman Viktor Pinchuk said this during a speech at the annual YES-2026 conference, reports the correspondent of Glavcom.

Citing the research of historian Timothy Snyder, Pinchuk recalled the historical uniqueness of Ukrainian lands.

The first cities and the proto-language: more than 6000 years ago the first proto-cities known to humankind arose here — even before the civilizations of Mesopotamia — and the Proto-Indo-European language also formed.

Technological breakthroughs: the Scythians invented a deadly composite bow on these lands, which transformed warfare across Eurasia, and in the Carpathians some of the oldest evidence of wheel use was found.

“With such a history of innovation, it’s no surprise that Ukraine became a military Silicon Valley and a European superpower. And it’s also no surprise that our enemy is desperately seeking to seize this incredible territory,” Pinchuk said.

According to the businessman, real peace through strength is calculated as the product of resources, the will to fight, and innovation. In 2026 year Ukraine’s advantage in technology and steadfast will opened a rare window of opportunity to force the Kremlin into real negotiations. At the same time, the enemy is also seeking its own chances to break the resistance: Russia is betting on the approach of winter, strikes with ballistic missiles and loitering munitions, to which Kyiv is already preparing an effective response.

Pinchuk emphasized that the outcome of the confrontation depends on Western resources. He urged allies to increase financial and military support, tighten sanctions against Moscow, and provide Ukraine with the most protected airspace in the world ahead of winter so that the aggressor is forced to capitulate before the coalition’s strength.

The YES founder also stressed that now Ukraine and its Western allies have a rare window of opportunity to force Russia into real negotiations to end the war: “Why is there a real chance to achieve peace through strength now? If very simply, I can define strength like this: the resources a nation has at its disposal multiplied by the will to fight multiplied by innovation.”

Recall that retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Mark Hertling believes Ukraine’s ability to quickly adapt to changes on the battlefield is one of the key advantages in the war against Russia. In his view, Kyiv is gradually moving from the role of recipient of Western military aid to a partner that can offer allies its own technologies and experience.